Evaluation of training of residents and chief-residents in visceral and digestive surgery in France: Results of a national survey

Abstract

To establish an inventory of the training facilities available to residents and chief-residents in visceral and digestive surgery in France and to assess their satisfaction and their expectations. An anonymous questionnaire was sent by E-mail in 2011 to all residents and chief-residents in visceral and digestive surgery in France. The questionnaire addressed demographic characteristics, educational resources used and desired, as well as the current medical and university curriculum. The practical and theoretical aspects of training were evaluated. Of 208 residents, 63% responded to the survey (96 residents and 35 chief-residents). Daily practice of surgery and the reading of English-language articles were the two most frequently used teaching resources. Surgical training was judged satisfactory by 41.2% of respondents. In multivariate analysis, only the function of chief-resident (p < 0.001) and authorship as first author of scientific papers (p = 0.041) were associated with a feeling of satisfaction. Surgical training on animals, use of online course materials, and the establishment of a mentoring process during residency were rated favorable by more than 80%. The majority of residents and chief-residents in visceral and digestive surgery in France believe their training is unsatisfactory. However, this dissatisfaction decreases progressively throughout the training period. Strengthening of companionship through tutoring, better information on existing resources, and improved access to surgical training in animals should enhance satisfaction.